My phone buzzed every ten minutes, filled with well-wishes from the pack members counting the hours before my supposed mating ritual ceremony. I didn't bother to respond to any of those texts. Instead, I went to the venue for the last time.
The grand hall looked elegant, draped in soft whites and blush pinks, just like I’d always dreamed it would be. But now it felt like a stage set for a show I had no interest in being part of.
I went to a table where a photo of Easton and me was displayed. We looked so happy, like the perfect mates the pack expected us to be. Before I could think much about it, I grabbed that photo and ripped it in half. The sound echoed through that empty hall, almost satisfying, though it didn’t quite erase the sting of betrayal.
“Get these down,” I said to the attendant without glancing at her.
I sounded calm despite the burning rage inside me. The attendant just nodded, probably too polite to ask questions. I bet she thought I was one of those future Luna having cold feet. If only she knew the real story.
"Why are you angry this early?"
I tensed as I heard that familiar voice. It's Astrid, my adoptive mother. Her tone dripped with sarcasm, her eyes scanning the room like she was judging a bad play. She stood there, arms crossed, waiting for an explanation.
“Shouldn’t you be a bit more composed? You’re about to become Luna,” she said, smirking.
“I didn’t ask for your opinion,” I snapped.
Her smirk widened.
“Still got that fiery temper, huh? You should learn to control it by now. A Luna should know when to keep quiet.”
I didn’t even bother responding. Instead, I turned my focus back to the hall, but Astrid wasn’t done with me.
“Oh, I almost forgot,” she said, pulling a small box from her bag and shoving it toward me.
“A gift from me.”
I stared at the box, hesitant to take it. My mother didn’t give gifts unless there were strings attached. And when I opened it, my breath caught in my throat. A diamond necklace sparkled in the light - gorgeous, cold, and meaningless. It was the necklace promised to me as a kid but never given. Instead, it went to Elena on her sixteenth birthday. Seeing it now felt like a slap in the face. I stared at the necklace for what felt like forever before tossing it into the trash can.
The hours that followed were spent packing my stuff and double-checking everything. Tomorrow, I was supposed to walk down the ceremonial grounds with Easton. But nope, that was definitely not happening.
I took one last look at my phone. A message from Elena lit up the screen. “Wishing you a blessed mating ritual ceremony, Ardyn. I hope you find joy always.”
I forced a smile because I knew Elena was lying. I bet she was snuggled up in Easton’s arms at this second, celebrating her little victory. I quickly typed a response.
"Thanks for the blessing, Elena. I’ll always find my happiness. Oh, and I got you a little something. You will receive it tomorrow."
Elena would receive it at the mating ritual ceremony. I specifically instructed the courier. I chuckled, imagining what she would look like when she saw it. Then, I also sent one last message to Easton.
"Sorry, I canceled our mating ritual ceremony. Please attend your and Elena's mating ritual ceremony."
I attached the candid photos I had taken when they were being carelessly unaware while being intimate. Once I stepped onto the ship, those messages would be sent automatically. The pictures would even be forwarded to the pack's group chat for everyone to see. It would serve as my final goodbye.
I arrived at the dock and looked at the amazing cruise ship I owned. It was enormously beautiful. I felt the weight of the things I was letting go of but did not back down.
“Excuse me, Miss Ardyn. I am Paolo, the ship's captain, where would you like to go?” a voice pulled me from my thoughts.
I turned and smiled.
“Wherever this ship takes me.”
I glanced at the sea. And for the first time, I wasn't afraid of what would happen next. I was actually excited.
